“Breaking the Silence” Workshop Starts Community Conversation on Mental Health

Sep 21, 2013 9:00am - 2:00pm

IN

Boynton Beach and Lake Worth

In Cooperation with

The Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health

“Breaking the Silence” Workshop Starts Community Conversation on Mental Health

The Boynton Beach Mental Health Initiative (BBMHI) and the Lake Worth Connection (LWC), in cooperation with the Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health (AAMH) are hosting a free workshop to help parents of children who are struggling with social/emotional/ behavioral/educational problems. “Breaking the Silence in Boynton Beach and Lake Worth” will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott in Boynton Beach

Parents will learn from local professionals the importance of advocating for their child through early identification of problems, and learning how to access resources available in the schools and the community to get the help and support that they need. Resource materials from a variety of mental health providers will be available. Workshop presenters include Dr. Seth Bernstein, Psychologist & Program Director, Boys Town South Florida; Pam Gionfriddo, CEO, Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County; Liz Downey, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Palm Beach County, and Michael Kane, Ed.S, NBCT, Specialist and Project Coordinator with the School District of PBC School Counseling and Graduation Support Team. Boynton Beach Mayor Jerry Taylor and Lake Worth Commissioner Andy Amoroso will be on hand to deliver opening remarks and support the mission of the Palm Beach County AAMH.

Mental illness carries a stigma that, sadly, leaves many people struggling in silence and confusion, rather than seeking the help they need. Both BBMHI and LWC recognize that keeping silent only reinforces stigma. To help parents create open dialogue and an atmosphere of respect for mental health issues, these grassroots community groups in Boynton Beach and Lake Worth are working together to host this first-of-its-kind event to benefit all communities.

“It’s time to break the silence. The only way to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues is to increase understanding and awareness, and let parents know there are resources available to help,” said Gerda Klein, co-chair and co-founder of BBMHI.

This event is free and lunch will be provided. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. For reservations call (561) 955-4810 or email deborah12398@aol.com. Funding for this event is provided by the Jacobs Trust.